Fashion Trends in a Youth Market

Today when talking about fashion in regards to youth, there are many factors when understanding what is in or popular.

Where Do Youth Learn about Fashion

The fashion market for youth clothes has exploded in the last decade. For starters, youth can mean much more than just teenagers. The term can include pre-teen and even younger adults. While this large swath of ages may be employed, they still have a large amount of buying power. Youth watch things like reality TV, or use the internet and become influenced by what celebrities are wearing. As such they want to impress their friends or act like their favorite celebrity, this desire is usually expressed through clothing.

The number of trends among youth is vast. One of these reasons is it generally depends on what group they most identify with. Some groups may want upscale, high-end items like Dereon clothes. And again others might be able to identify with clothing with a much looser fitting urban feel. It all comes down the style of the individual.

These styles come into play very quickly and before you know it they are no longer popular. This is one of the reasons the sales are so high in this market. If you are a parent you can take comfort in knowing that wearing the latest style is a phase that wears off for many youth. Of course, if that is not the case you can be thankful that one day that they can be expected to pay for their own fashionable clothing and accessories as well.

Today’s Trends: Pre-Teen Needs

Style is not defined by age. It is not tamed to maturity or social station. Instead it spans the years, with even children able to experience it (cultivating looks that reflect their needs). And the fashions of today’s youth are being shaped to new trends and new possibilities. There is much to consider.

Color Combinations

It was once an assumption of pink and blue. Genders were shaped by simple shades, with few variations offered. Now, however, pre-teens are demanding new colors to enjoy. A trend of modern youths is to move beyond primary looks (which often appear dated) and choose chic ones instead. Designers must offer diversity to earn the attentions of children.

Metallic Accessories

Gold has forever been a favorite of adults; silver has always been craved. The enduring shimmers of jewelery have been echoed in accessories, with these elements used to create dimension to all ensembles. Pre-teen fashion is now following this trend. Bracelets, pendants, hair-bands and more are all being coated in metallic layers. This creates a hint of sophistication and allows children to feel mature.

Pattern Embrace

Stripes and stars, the occasional scattering of hearts: children’s fashion was once a collection of simple patterns. There was little variety, with most outfits dominated by cliches. Today’s trends offer whimsy, however. Florals, polka dots, geometric designs, color blocking and more are all utilized and the result is visual interest. Patterns also can be mixed to make outfits original, reflecting individual youths and their styles.

Fashion is no longer considered a parent’s prerogative. It is instead being offered to boys and girls. The use of color, metallic texture and patterns ensures that every garment is unique and worthwhile.

Why Reality TV Isn’t Reality

Logo of the Global Reality Channel

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Is reality TV everything we think it is? The answer to that question is no. These days were are bombarded by reality TV. It lives on every station and each show more unique and tantalizing than the next. However, what you see and what you think you see isn’t always what you get. These days the idea of reality in TV is false. There is more than a little bit of planning that goes into everything you see.

First off there are plenty of reality TV shows that are scripted these days. Episodes are written out for the viewing public. They have an arc just like the season so that there is enough drama to keep you watching. When celebrities get their own show they plan out events and things to be carried out during the show. There is nothing left to chance in this reality.

Additionally, these actors aren’t just hand picked but they are actually paid to be on the show. Everything you think you see about being poor or broke is often a half truth. These actors are compensated because the more time they have on their hands the more trouble they can get into.

Also, the exits, entrances and fights are often staged. They know that people like to see things handled in a more theatrical or dramatic way. This means using their heads and finding ways to restage what just happened. TV isn’t reality and there are a lot of reasons why they do what they do. Next time you are watching pay attention and you might see the production value in your favorite fake reality show.

 

How Reality TV Inspired Fashion Trends

While many people claim to never watch any reality TV shows, it is surprising how many fashion statements stem from these shows. Whether it is Jersey Shores, Real Housewives, America’s Next Top Model or the Real World, these shows are often the source of fashion trends the public just has to get their hands on.

Here’s a look at some a popular fashion trends that have been made famous by reality TV shows.

T

Tyra Banks

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he Hair Weave

Women who wanted to have fuller hairstyles or long hair have long favored the weave. However, it wasn’t until Tyra Banks made comments about her hair weave or extensions that people were flocking to their hair dressers to get them put in their hair. Tyra Banks is the host of the reality TV show, America’s Next Top model.

The Snoocki Hair Bunch

The 80s hair poof went out of style in the beginning of the 90s. However, when Jersey Shore hit the MTV circuit, people were walking around poofing up their hair and making the “Snooki” signature hairstyle. In fact, one hair accessory even branded itself the official Snooki poof accessory in order to capitalize on this popular fashion trend.

Flap Style Hats

The Real World has been on MTV for over 20 seasons. However, when one of the cast members was shown frequently wearing flap style hats it became an instant fashion trend. People were looking to wear hunter style flap hats and even the cute bear style flap hat that was seen on the reality TV show.

Despite the fact that many people claim to not watch these reality shows they certainly created many recent fashion trends.

Nelly Designs Women’s Line for Curvy Figures and Plus Sizes

Named after a random thought between friends, the innovative clothing line, Apple Bottoms, was created and put into reality by St. Louis-born, rap star Nelly, her good friend Ian Kelly and her cousin Yomi Martin.

In 2003, Apple Bottoms grew quickly and became more known for its women’s and girl’s lines. The company decided to travel the country to find women who had an ‘apple bottom’ to represent the clothing line, resulting in a huge reality show contest that held the entire country‘s interest.

In cities such as New York, St. Louis and Las Vegas, the company looked at women in the targeted 18-25 age range, which turned out to be very lucrative. Later the company created a men’s wear line and called it Vokal. It was a major hit, too.

Nelly Designs Clothes that Fit

Leslie Unger, president of Apple Bottoms, said the company concentrates on making clothes that fit woman, rather than having woman fit into their clothes. Their designs are created for women with curves and plus sizes, by people who understand the problem curvy body types have when shopping for new clothes.

The 2011 Spring collection boasts earthy colors and has gone in a different direction with a unique, almost camo look called Marble Wash. Prices in the girl’s line are mostly under $40, with cute tops as low as $15 and the Spring Sale lists items for as much as 30 to 70 percent off.

The women’s lines are a bit pricier, but with 30 to 70 percent off, they’re very affordable and they carry much more than just clothing. They also have plus-size designs, jewelry and footwear. The Apple Bottom brand has so many good deals on the website that sales have their own page and large coupons are right there on the welcome screen.

Getting Designer Shoes At Amazing Bargains

Neiman Marcus flagship store in Downtown Dalla...
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Shoes. This is the answer you’ll get when you ask women what they’re favorite items are in their closet. We spend a lot of money on shoes. You might even admire the shoe collection of many celebrities. Many of us have a nice shoe collection, but one thing is missing… designer shoes.

We all want designer shoes, but can’t quite pay those designer prices. Well, all hope isn’t lost just yet. You can find some great designer shoes at amazing deals. Who doesn’t love a good game of bargain hunting?

There are plenty of online and regular stores that sell designer shoes at more affordable prices. Shop at stores and websites like, Zappos.com, DSW Shoe Warehouse, Bluefly.com and Ebay to find your perfect Guess, Manolos or any other designer shoes at the fraction of the cost.

While many people like to buy what’s in style that season, the best way to find designer shoes for cheap is by shopping off-season. Many stores like Barneys, Nordstrom’s and Neiman Marcus will have a huge sale to get rid of shoes to make new for all the pretty new shoes that’ll be coming in.  For instance, you can probably get your hands on $60 sandals for $12. Given you can’t wear them now since it’s winter, but come summer you can. That’s a pretty amazing deal.

Another way to find designer shoes at more affordable prices is through comparing prices. When you shop for a new car what do you do? You compare prices. Why not for your designer shoes? Just type in the shoes you want into Google and you should see prices and places where you can find the shoes.

Your last option would be to buy used. While this doesn’t appeal to some, this is really the best way to find designer shoes for cheap.

Good luck bargain shopping!

Getting Designer Handbags For Cheap

A very beautiful model with no name recognitio...
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Women love their designer handbags. We work extra hours at work just to save up for the perfect designer handbag. The downside to that gorgeous designer handbag you’ve had your eye on is the price. Designer handbags can be pretty expensive to those who don’t have a high-paying job.

There is good news. You can find real designer handbags at more affordable prices. Here are a few ways you can get your hands on the gorgeous designer bag for a fraction of the cost.

”’Look at Garage and Estate Sales”’
You’d be surprised at how many designer handbags you can find for cheap at a garage or estate sale. Check online or in your local newspaper for garage and estate sales. With estate sales, people are trying to get rid of everything… quickly. You can get really lucky and find amazing designer handbags at such cheap prices.

”’Look Online”’
You do have to be a little more careful, but you can find authentic designer handbags on online auction websites such as eBay or even Craigslist. It’s important to be on the look out since the website is pretty notorious for selling fakes and replicas as authentic. Before buying anything, check the seller’s feedback. If they’re a fake, previous sellers will state that in the feedback.

”’Check Outlet Stores”’
Outlet stores are known for selling designer handbags at the fraction of the cost. A lot of outlet malls will sell designer products for less than retail. It wouldn’t hurt to take a trip to your local outlet mall to see what they have there.  You have to be a little careful because some outlet stores will still sell the item for retail.

If you look hard enough you can find the perfect designer handbag for cheap. You might not find it right away, but persistence does pay off.

Making Old Clothes Look New

Closeup of a copper rivet on blue jeans.
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While most people like to say out with the old and in with the new, it’s hard for people to just go out and buy new things. To help save your money, you can take your old clothes and make them look new again.

You don’t have to read all the fashion magazines or blogs to get fashion ideas, just your own creativity. Here are a few tips about revamping your old clothes into something new.

”’Do Your Planning First”’
This is considered a little do it yourself type project, so it’s important to plan ahead. Winging it might cause some problems. Anyone in the fashion business will advise that it’s easier to take away something, so do some drawing to see what you want to do. If you don’t like something in your drawing, erase it.

”’Get Creative”’
Do you have an old pair of jeans just sitting in your closet with an ugly hole in it? Well, turn it into a fabulous jean skirt! If you’re not sure where to begin, pull out your old jeans and t-shirts. These are great starting points. You can make jeans look almost brand new with a little extra stitching and even patching if needed. Just don’t bedazzle anything. The bedazzler isn’t your friend.

”’Create A Non-Clothing item”’
One popular thing moms love doing is taking old baby clothes and turning them into blankets and quilts. You can do this. Old t-shirts and sweatshirts can even make amazing scarves or gloves if you’re really talented. If you’re amazing at sewing, you can even turn older sweatshirts into throw pillows and tote bags.

Taking your old clothing and revamping them into something new is a great new way to save money. They might not be the most stylish things, but you can really make it work. At least you’ll be wearing or walking around with something unique and not what everyone else is wearing.